Burger's injury not serious

2008-07-20 22:30

Hennie Brandt

Johannesburg - Springbok flanker Schalk Burger will be fit to play in the rugby Test match against Argentina here on August 9.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers announced the good news at OR Tambo Airport on Sunday evening, soon after the South African team's arrival from Australia.

The team's management and Springbok supporters received a fright when Burger was injured during the Tri-Nations match in Perth on Saturday.

Burger, who had previously suffered a serious neck injury, left the field with what seemed to be a neck problem after taking a hard knock.

"The doctor has taken another look at him and he will be examined again in Cape Town, but it's not serious," De Villiers said.

"I think he should be fit to play against Argentina."

The coach said he had taken Burger off as a precautionary measure. "I think he also got a big fright after taking a knock against the neck when someone cleaned out at a ruck.

"I took him off because the person is more important than the player."

Released for Currie Cup rugby

De Villiers said there were no serious injuries in the squad after the physical battle against the Wallabies.

However, Springbok left wing Bryan Habana said he would know only on Monday how serious the shoulder injury is that resulted in him leaving the field.

"I'll report to the Bulls on Monday and will know then if I have to go for a scan. At this stage I don't know how serious it is," Habana said.

Provincial unions will be informed this week which members of the Springbok squad are to be released for Currie Cup rugby.

De Villiers has indicated that he may bring scrumhalf Fourie du Preez and centre Jaque Fourie, who have recovered from their injuries, back into the squad.

Andy Marinos, SA Rugby's manager of national teams and recently appointed manager of the Springboks, said the players would have a welcome break now.

"We'll assemble in Pretoria again on July 30. The team will stay there for four days before we go to Johannesburg for the match against Argentina," Marinos said.

- Beeld